Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Bear DE area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical aspects to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Bear DE law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Bear DE law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Bear DE legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Delaware legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in Delaware or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Bear DE region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Bear DE. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Bear DE, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.